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Delicious, unique and super-versatile, this Limoncello Syrup is fabulous drizzled on fresh fruit, yogurt, ice cream and fruit desserts.
It's that time of the year, isn't it? Things tend to get a little dull, especially in a culinary sense. Are you ready for something to liven life up a bit? Limoncello Syrup is the perfect antidote for the winter blues. Actually, it's the perfect antidote to liven things up any time of year. It's super-versatile, delicious and can be used in a zillion different ways.
Limoncello is an Italian liqueur made from the yellow zest of lemons. Most of it is produced in southern Italy, the Amalfi coast and the beautiful island of Capri. With a bright burst of fresh lemon flavor, it's one of the most popular liqueurs in Italy, although people enjoy it all over the globe.
A wonderful way to change things up!
Tired of your same-old-same-old morning fruit and yogurt? Add a drizzle of Limoncello Syrup. It's fresh and sweet with a bit of pizzaz. It transforms an everyday bowl of fruit into a delicious epicurean delight. It's delightful on ice cream or drizzled over fruit crumbles. Even oatmeal takes on a whole new life with a little of this magical stuff. Oh, and stir a spoonful of Limoncello Syrup into a cup of tea and you'll think you're in a fancy little European tea boutique.
I actually created this Limoncello Syrup as a topping for a delicious Lemon and White Chocolate Pots de Créme, but I've discovered that it's a delicious condiment I love having stashed away in my fridge for so many other things.
So easy!
You can make this delicious syrup in less than 10 minutes; just squeeze a couple of lemons and add a handful of sugar. It will be thick to start with, but no worries. Stir well and pop the mixture in the microwave (or a pan on the stovetop). Before you know it, the bubbling syrup will be ready. Just stir in the lemon zest (for an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor) and the Limoncello liquor, and that's about it!
So, if you've got a case of the winter doldrums, or just want something fun, delicious and unique, whip up a batch of this Limoncello Syrup. Guests will go crazy when you drizzle it over fresh fruit or ice cream, and they'll think you've slaved over such a delicious elixir for hours.
Buon divertimento (enjoy)!
Café Tips for making this Limoncello Syrup
- Limoncello can be purchased in mini bottles if desired, approximately just the right amount for one batch of Limoncello Syrup.
- Stored in the refrigerator, this syrup will keep for 2-3 weeks.
- Since you're using the zest of the lemons as well as the juice, look for organic lemons, if possible. If not, be sure to wash the lemons well and dry them before zesting.
- Add more or less Limoncello liqueur, to taste. If you add more, you may need to boil the syrup a little longer to achieve a syrupy consistency.
Calling all lemon lovers
And by the way, if you love all things lemon, you have to try this French Grandmother's Lemon Yogurt Cake. It has a funny name, but there's a really fun story behind that too! It's one of those one-bowl, no-mixer, crazy-good recipes that is wonderful to have in your culinary arsenal. Check it out!
Delicious, unique and super-versatile. This Limoncello Syrup is wonderful as a sweetener for tea or drizzled on fresh fruit, yogurt, ice cream, fruit desserts...
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup Limoncello liqueur
- lemon zest from 1 average-size lemon
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Combine lemon juice and sugar in a medium-size microwave-safe bowl. Stir well and place in microwave on high power for 2 ½ to 3 minutes, or until mixture is boiling and sugar is dissolved. Watch carefully to make sure mixture does not boil up over the top. You can also place ingredients in a medium-size saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook until sugar is dissolved.
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Add lemon zest and Limoncello and stir to combine. Cool, then pour into a bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator covered tightly.
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Drizzle over fresh fruit, yogurt, ice cream and desserts or stir a spoonful into a cup of tea.
Linda T says
This limoncello syrup is perfect drizzled on strawberries and blueberries. It made the berries taste just like the ones I had at a high end restaurant my husband jntroduced me to many years ago (we frequented it often for special occasions) Thank you for the recipe. I have been trying to recreate the taste. The restaurant recently closed and my husband passed away 9 months ago. This recipe brought back some wonderful memories. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you for your kind comment, Linda. I love how food can bring sweet memories ❤️
Em says
We made this to drizzle on the raspberries and kiwi that we topped your recipe for Lemon and White Chocolate Pots de Créme. It is tart and sweet - perfectly balanced. I am looking forward to using the leftovers on anything I can. I think I'll put some in my tea...
Chris Scheuer says
Yay! Thanks so much, Em!
Nora Cox says
Just made this syrup, and it's awesome...Didn't have Limoncello liqueur, so I subbed Titos Vodka. Can't wait to try it with the original ingredients! You always deliver something fresh , easy and elegant! Kudos to you. (Feel free to delete the brand of vodka and just say "good quality" if it interferes with anything...or this aside...whichever)
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for sharing your results, Nora!
Susan Freeman says
I printed out this recipe quite some time ago and forgot about it until I found it while browsing through one of my recipe binders lately. I love anything with lemon and since I had all the ingredients, I decided to make a batch this evening. It was so easy to make and the flavor is fantastic! My sweet daughter-in-law loves lemon too and when I texted her to ask if she'd like me to make a batch for her, she responded "YES!!!" immediately. I seriously doubt this delicious syrup will make it 2 weeks in my refrigerator. I'm dying to try it in my morning tea tomorrow. Thanks for another wonderful recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Susan, for taking the time to share your results! I love that you were able to share it with another lemon lover! 💕💕
Browyn says
I made this syrup for Christmas morning and loved it. It was delicious, especially over strawberries and blueberries. Thank you and Happy Holidays!
Chris Scheuer says
Yay, thanks for sharing your comment, Browyn. That sounds delicious!
Kim says
Is there an alcohol free version of this? Sounds delicious
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Kim, sadly, since this recipe is based on Limoncello which is a liqueur, it would be difficult to make an alcohol-free version unless you made your own alcohol-free Limoncello.
https://mybubblypop.com/make-your-own-delicious-alcohol-free-limoncello-in-3-simple-steps/
Gale Crudup says
Chris,
How long can you keep the lemoncello in refrigerator?
Can you freeze it?
Thanks so much for all theses wonderful recipes and gorgeous photos!
Merry Christmas!
Gale
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Gale, Limoncello will keep indefinitely in the refrigerator and yes, it can be frozen as well.
Sandra says
I can think of lots of things this would be delicious on!
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
You had me at limoncello! It's one of my favorites, and I didn't even realize it comes from near my mother's home town of Naples. I spent two weeks on Capri years ago, and yes, the lemon trees were abundant. I love your idea of a syrup! Pinning for sure.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I think I might just guzzle this nectar straight up!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love the versatility of this syrup, what a treat over my morning berries for breakfast!
Easyfoodsmith says
The lovely and summery Limoncello syrup sounds brilliant!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Chris: This is indeed the perfect antidote for the winter blues as well as a tasty alternative to the same-old fruit and yogurt!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Ooh yum Chris another one to save for when my lemon tree gives me its first lemons of the season.
Vicki Bensinger says
This sounds so easy Chris and lucky for me I've got some Limoncello that I made a while back sitting in my freezer. I will definitely try this with the berries I just purchased at the store yesterday. How refreshing and it definitely adds a bit of sunshine to these rather dull winter days.
Lynn says
Gorgeous colors and pics! I love that first one:@)
Ginny Hartzler says
This may get me through the day even better than coffee!
Sophia @ NYfoodgasm says
Sounds AMAZING and sooooo easy! I agree, when you are feeling dull, nothing brightens you up like lemon!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I don't need a respite from the winter blues but I bet this syrup would be a welcome relief from the heat!
Helen says
After years of taste-testing all the brands of Limoncello I could locate I finally found the best for my taste buds--from the Ventura Limoncello company in California. I serve it frozen (actually never freezes) in tiny frozen liqueur glasses after a meal. Since I had all the ingredients ready ad waiting I made some of your syrup for my frozen raspberries. Oh my, can't wait to try it this summer over sun warmed freshly picked luscious berries from my garden.
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Love limoncello! Never had it as a syrup, though. Brilliant idea! Definitely will be making this -- thanks.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Gorgeous bright colours! I feel instantly happier just looking at all the fresh berries!
Monique says
Beautiful sunny colors on our beautiful sunny freezing morning here in QC.
Betsy says
this looks amazing! I have a bottle of Limoncello in the pantry right now!